Hughes in town

Lib Dem President Simon Hughes visited Folkestone today to back Peter Carroll's campaign to beat Michael Howard. Speculation is growing that Mr Howard could lose his seat after 22 years of being our MP.

Mr Hughes joined Mr Carroll on the campaign trail in Sandgate. Simon Hughes said, "It is clear that the election in Folkestone & Hythe will be a close run thing between the Lib Dems and the Conservatives. I believe that Peter Carroll will make an excellent local MP and is the best choice for local voters."

Simon also met with local retired Gurkhas, one of whom had recently become a British citizen. Last year Peter Carroll led a huge campaign to give retired Gurkhas the right to apply for British Citizenship.

Simon said, "Gurkha soldiers have given much to our country. I am delighted that they are now being given the opportunity to become British citizens - this is long overdue."